A RARE CHINESE POLYCHROME ENAMELLED HELMET-SHAPED EWER FOR THE PORTUGUESE MARKET

C.1740

Brightly decorated with flowers and leaves amidst elaborate scrolls above broad yellow petals, the design divided by a geometric band, with red, turquoise and yellow borders encircling the rim, the handle and foot painted with trails of foliage, 27cm.

The ewer comes from one of three services made for Dom José Ribeiro da Fonseca Figueiredo (1690-1752), who was appointed as the Bishop of Porto in 1739 under the name of Dom Frei José Maria da Fonseca e Evora.

Cf. N de Castro, Chinese Porcelain and the Heraldry of the Empire, pp.87-9 for illustrations of pieces from these services; see also Sotheby's London, 7th November 2007, lot 340 for a similarly decorated stand bearing the arms of Dom José Ribeiro da Fonseca Figueiredo; see also Christie's New York, 23rd January 2008, lot 192 for a tray from one of these services.